I always get concerned that Americans are ethnocentric.

According to a recent poll by the Pew Research Center, 52 percent of Americans claimed to have heard little or nothing about the anti-government protests in Egypt.

I absolutely think that Americans should help the people of Egypt as long as the people of Egypt want help from America.

I fear that we assume that we know what they want even if a large portion of us are uninformed. I think the Egyptians need to figure out what it is they require from a government.

We will not help them by forcing what we feel is right upon them. Our version of democracy may not be best for them.

Americans certainly have their own negative feelings toward our government. We should not decide for another country that we know what will be a successful government for their people. We should help when asked, but not wear out our welcome.

The revolution occurring in Egypt is certainly something that Americans can sympathize with.

We pride ourselves on being a melting pot of cultures and nationalities. Our country exists because of a war that began over feeling like we no longer had a voice in our government.

A video has been circulating on the Internet that shows footage of the rallying in Egypt. The video gives us a glimpse into understanding the intense hatred and repression these citizens feel because of their government.

“We will not be silenced,” roared an Egyptian man in the clip. “Whether you’re a Christian, whether you’re Muslim, whether you’re an atheist: you will demand your goddamn rights, and we will have our rights one way or the other. We will never be silenced.”

Watching that video, it is nearly impossible not to be inspired. So much hate stems from differing opinions when it comes religious beliefs.

Religion shapes people’s values, morals, and beliefs on how to live life. These Egyptians are so united by their hatred of their repressive government that they are willing to put aside these religious differences and stand up to their government together.

The great thing about living in America is that we can protest our government. Many people make a career out of complaining about our government, and many others make a career out of mocking it.

That is what makes me love America. Our government is not perfect, but it is our right to tell the administration how imperfect it is all day and every day.

The First Amendment provides me the opportunity to share my humble opinions with the readers of this paper, and of course, the Internet.

The Internet which was shut down to Egyptians by their government. I get furious when I cannot log on to the Internet due to technical difficulties by my service provider.

I cannot begin to imagine the uproar that would be ignited in America if our government shut our Internet down.

Although it may not be our placed to intervene (especially when considering America’s past relationship with Egypt as an ally), it is important for Americans to support the ongoing revolution or, at the very least, become informed about it.